Is Kava Really Helpful for Sleeping?
Sleeping is a natural phenomenon we undergo when we feel tired and stressed. For some, this comes easy and natural. But for others, getting to sleep is a difficult process so they turn to natural remedies for help. One of such remedies is the Kava plant.
Kava is an herb people use to alleviatestress and boost their sleep. This herb contains kavalactones which hasa soothing effect on humans and in turn, improve sleep. Traditionally, it is taken as tea or mixedin alcoholic drinks. But today, it can come in form of a tablet, powder, and liquid.
It is not unusual to see people who sell kava products promoting their brand with lines like ‘this is the best kava for sleep and anxiety, buy one today’. Despite these positive ads, one must ask some questions especially if new to this herb.
Is this herb truly helpful for sleeping?
Does it have any side effects? What factors should one consider before buying it?
These are some of the questions to which we will be providing you with answers in this article.
Which Sleeping Problems Can Kava Treat?
Insomnia is the inability to sleep. About 30% of humans have this sleeping disorder. Insomnia causes sleeping deprivation and this can lead to a person making poor decisions, being overly stressed, and having emotional instability.
There are three types of insomnia and kava has proven to help treat such cases. How does it do this? Let’s consider each case and how this herb can help.
Sleep Onset
People who have sleep onset issues find it hard to fall sleep. They are anxious, think a lot, or get busy instead of sleeping. Money, their job, and family are examples of things that keep them awake at night. So no matter how hard they try, sleeping is impossible.
Causes:
Insomnia happens due to a high level of cortisol (or the stress hormone). This hormone increases wakefulness in the body.
How Kava can help:
Research shows that this herb can treat sleep disorders caused by anxiety and stress. It treats sleep onset by reducing the effects of cortisol. By slowing this hormone down, your body becomes tired and you will feel sleepy in no time. For more information on how kava cures sleep problems, you can check here: https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/kava-cure
Sleep Maintenance
For people with this disorder, maintaining sleep is a challenge. They could wake up many times at night or wake up early in the morning and find it hard to sleep again.
Causes:
There are four known cases of sleep maintenance. They include:
• Hypoglycemia
• A dysfunctional circadian rhythm
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic pain
How Kava can help:
It can treat chronic pain by reducing its effects thereby promoting sleep. It can also regulate our circadian rhythm i.e. our sleeping schedule by conditioning the brain to do the right thing. The herb works better if we take it daily at a specific time.
Unsatisfied Sleep
Those with this insomnia wake up tired. Although they slept through the night, they never feel like they slept well.
Causes:
This can happen due to high cortisol levels, sleep apnea, and low delta brain waves.
How Kava can help:
This remedy can reduce cortisol levels and promote sleep. It also increases delta brain waves which are responsible for restorative sleep.
Does Kava have Side Effects?
This herb is generally legal and safe to use. But like every other natural supplement, too much of it can become dangerous. So, what are the likely side effects of this herb? These include:
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Rash
• Fever
• Jaundice
If taken in high dosage for a long time, it could cause:
• Yellow skin
• Heart issues
• Scaly skin
• Eye problems
In few cases, it could cause liver damage. Researchers do not knowhow it causes this so they advise consumers to be careful of the products they buy and how they use them.
How Can One Use Kava for Sleeping Problems?
The recommended doseis 250mg per day. However, dosage requirements could vary from one person to another. If you are starting this remedy for the first time, it is best to start with low doses first and monitorits effects. Slowly increase the dosage till you achieve the needed effects.
It is important to note that thekavalactones contentin products varies so check a product’s label before using it.
This herb can interact with alcohol and certain drugs. So, if you are taking it to improve your sleep, make sure you are not taking other sleeping drugs with it. Consult your doctor before you start the treatment.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Kava for Sleeping
Here are a few things to consider when purchasing:
Choose the Kava Type that will Work for You
There are three types of kava. They are heavy, heady, and balanced kava.
Heavy kava works well at night as it makes you feel relax and tired. Heavy, on the other hand, gives energy so it is best suited for daytime use. Then balanced is in between both types and can be used anytime.
You can choose from these types based on your circumstance and problem. One way to know if a product is any of these types is to examine the label. For sleeping disorders, heady products are the best option to choose.
Choose Based on Taste
This herb is naturally very bitter. But certain brands add natural sweeteners to improve the taste and make it tolerable to the palate. If you hate bitter things, get a product with a more bearable taste.
Avoid Cheap Products
Cheap products can have additives and certain filler ingredients that reduce the effects of this herb. But with high-quality products, you can get maximum health benefits. So do not purchase products that are lower than the normal price they should be sold. If you wish to brew kava on your own, you can watch this video.
Conclusion
Kava is a natural remedy that can relieve stress and improve sleep. However, it could cause serious side effects if taken in excess or for a long time. With many of these herbal supplement available in the market, it is wise to consider the factors discussed in this guide when choosing.
